Introduction & Aim: There is limited information about the characteristics of neonates born to COVID-19-infected mothers, including jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of maternal infection with Covid-19 on the prevalence and severity of jaundice in their neonates in Ahvaz hospitals. Methods: This retrospective case-control research was conducted on mothers with laboratoryapproved Covid-19 at delivery (case group= 25 patients) and a group of healthy mothers without COVID-19 at delivery (control group= 25 patients), referred to Ahvaz hospitals in 2020 and 2021. Characteristics of neonates including jaundice (total Bil> 15 mg / dl) and its severity, preterm birth (birth before 37 weeks of gestation), birth weight and need for hospitalization in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were examined and recorded. Results: Hyperbilirubinemia was observed in 3 (12%) neonates in the case group and 2 (8%) neonates in the control group (P = 0.637). Severe hyperbilirubinemia (TSB levels ≥20 mg / dL) was not observed in any of the groups. The frequency of preterm birth was higher in the Covid-19 mothers group than the control group (28% vs. 4%; P = 0.049). Also, the neonates of Covid-19- infected mothers had lower birth weight than the neonates of healthy mothers (2908.00 ± 505.94 vs. 3196.00 ± 485.82; P = 0.046) and needed more hospitalization in NICU (32% vs. 4%, P= 0.023). Conclusion: Maternal infection with Covid-19 compared to healthy mothers or those with mild and asymptomatic Covid-19 disease causes preterm birth and low birth weight and a higher probability of neonatal hospitalization in NICU. However, maternal infection with Covid-19 or the severity of Covid-19 disease was not associated with the development of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

COVID-19, Neonate, Jaundice